Local Politics

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Canterbury Constituency

Background of Canterbury

The postcode CT1 1TW is located in Canterbury, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Rosie Duffield MP of the Labour party.

The UK parliamentary constituency of Canterbury, established in 1295, is one of the oldest in the country. It includes the city of Canterbury and surrounding rural areas, incorporating the local government district of the City of Canterbury. Historically, Canterbury was a Conservative stronghold, consistently voting for Conservative MPs until a significant shift in the 2017 general election, when Labour candidate Rosie Duffield secured a victory, marking the first Labour win in the constituency’s history. Duffield retained her seat in the subsequent 2019 election.

Canterbury's demographics are diverse, blending the ancient city's historic and cultural heritage with a modern, vibrant student population, primarily due to the presence of the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University. This mix of age groups and the influx of younger, often more progressive, voters have contributed to the shifting political landscape.

Economically, Canterbury is driven by its tourism sector, with the city's rich history attracting numerous visitors annually. It also benefits from a strong educational sector, robust retail, and a growing professional services industry. While the city itself is relatively affluent, some rural areas within the constituency experience economic disparities.

The electorate in Canterbury reflects a wide range of political views, with notable engagement from younger voters, which has influenced recent election outcomes. During the Brexit referendum in 2016, the Canterbury district narrowly voted to remain in the European Union, aligning with the generally pro-EU sentiment found among university towns and cities.

Canterbury continues to experience dynamic political change, with ongoing debates on local and national issues reflecting its diverse and evolving electorate.

Brexit

Did Canterbury vote for Brexit?

Canterbury constituency in the UK voted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum. One possible reason for this decision could be the dissatisfaction with the status quo and desire for change. The constituency has a strong history of independence and was eager to reclaim sovereignty from the EU. Additionally, concerns about immigration and a desire to regain control over borders may have influenced voters. Ultimately, the electorate in Canterbury felt that leaving the EU was the best course of action for their community and country as a whole.